MSE football round-up Tuesday Edition THE SOUTH EASTERN TIMES Ton-up for Kangaroos in big win over struggling Saints DAVE TURNER WEST Gambier has brought Millicent back to earth on Saturday when it handed it a football lesson in Round 2 of Western Border football at Malseed Park. After a bold showing against South Gambier in Round 1, the Saints put in an embarrassing performance against the Roos, only managing to score three goals for the game, while their opponents added 17.16 (118). In Millicent’s defence they were forced to make seven changes from the previous week’s line-up. These included Joe Walker, Ryan Hutchesson and Jayden Reilly (injured); and Josh Calyun, Hamish Nitschke, James Weir and Thomas Chant (unavailable). This saw them once again forced to call upon their juniors, with Cody Davis making his senior debut. On the other hand West welcomed back their lead ruckman, Daron McElroy from state country football duties and Jordan Coombe played his first senior game after returning from Kongorong. The match was played in typical winter conditions with light rain falling for most of the game, making the ball hard to handle. However, the Roos adapted well and used their skills to advantage as if it was a dry day. First quarter KICKING with the aid of a slight breeze, for the only time during the match, Millicent’s hopes hit a high in the opening few minutes when young Tom Pratt scored the opening goal. With heavy rain falling in the opening 15 minutes, scores were hard to come by as both sides adapted to the conditions. The home side had most of the play but was unable to put a major on the board, with missed shots coming from Tom Holmes, Tyson Ploenges, Kayne O’Brien and Jarrod Ryan. Holmes finally recorded a six EYES ON THE BALL: Millicent coach Steve Duldig attempts to punch the ball clear of West Gambier forward Tyson Ploenges. pointer just before time-on began. The first break saw West leading 1.2 to 1.0 , but the hard work had been done as the rain eased slightly. Second quarter THE Roos began to take control early in the second with Ploenges handling the ball as if it was a dry day. He took two strong marks and booted two majors within the opening few minutes and had a chance to get a third at the five minute mark but only a minor score resulted. New recruit, Ricky Lindner put the Roos further ahead when an umpiring decision was reversed on the 50 metre line and Jaymie Dobie followed with his side’s fourth for the term. The Saints struggled to get the ball into their scoring zone with the West half backline well on top and their onballers were finding it hard to get clear. Further West goals came in the time-on period from the boots of Lindner and Holmes as they marched to a commanding lead of 7.10 to 1.0 at the long break. The Saints only managed to get within their 50 metre arc twice during the term, only to see the ball turned over. Third quarter MILLICENT made numerous changes in an effort to get back into the game, but the opposition had too many winners as the Roos marched on towards a big win. Nippy West forward, Jarrod Ryan came into his own early in the term with two strong marks within scoring distance and added 1.1 to his side’s tally. The Saints brought up their first goal in over two quarters halfway through the term when young Mitch Gordon received a free 20 metres out and kicked accurately. This was soon answered by Josh Schapel. McElroy scored the goal of the day when he took a strong mark in the forward pocket and with the slippery ball managed to kick accurately from the boundary line. It was just a matter of by how much the Roos would win by as the siren went for the last break, as they led 11.14 to 2.0. Fourth quarter THE home side’s onslaught continued in the final term with the opening major coming from bench warmer, Garret Ha. Ploenges then hit a purple patch with three majors within five minutes – giving him five for the game. This followed his six booted in the opening round against East Gambier. Hayden Lofts and Holmes added further majors for the homes side as they marched on to victory. One of the few highlights for the Saints in the closing stages was a strong mark by Mitch Reilly 40 metres out as he booted his side’s third major for the game. The final siren saw West on 17.16 (118) to 3.0 (18). The wash-up IN what could be described as a disappointing day for the Saints, the home side was never in danger of defeat after the opening term. West showed it will be among the finals contenders come September. Considering the conditions, the Roos’ ball skills with hand and foot were top class. It was hard to find a passenger within their side. On the other hand, Millicent is continuing to build for the future with its younger brigade having to carry the load and a long injury list is not helping its cause. It must be said the umpiring during the match was not up to standard with a number of decisions leaving players and supporters perplexed. Disappointed Millicent coach, Steve Duldig said there were very few positives he could take out of the game. “With so many players unavailable or injured it was always going to be a battle. “Hopefully, with next weekend off, we may get a few players back. West is a good team. “We have to continue to rely on youth. Despite the big loss they will keep improving with games under their belt. “It’s back to the drawing board now,” he said. The mood was much better in the dressing sheds of the home team and West coach, David Stratman was full of praise for his players and the way they adapted to the difficult conditions. “Millicent came out firing in the opening term, but we managed to get on top as the match progressed,” Stratman said. “It was much easier to handle the ball in the second half and this is when our on-ball brigade came into their own. “We have more depth in our midfield this year so we can rotate them if we happen to drop in this area.” “We also have a number of younger players who can supply us with plenty of run. “We have a few bruises from the game, but the players have two weeks off before we travel to Casterton, so we will have close to a full list available.” Stratman also heaped praise on Ricky Lindner for his work-rate and for cutting back the influence of Millicent playmaker, Nat Robbins. Hawks and Tigers set to do battle in Anzac Day tribute on Saturday J.L. “FRED” SMITH THIS weekend, Anzac Day falls on a Saturday for the first time since 2009 and two Mid South East Football League clubs have opted to play its scheduled roster game, breaking clear of the other three Round 3 games which will be played on Sunday. Kongorong and Tantanoola have received the blessing of the Returned and Services League to host an Anzac Day game, which will be played at Kongorong Oval. Mount Gambier RSL members will join with netballers, footballers, umpires and officials for the solemn tribute to the fallen at 3pm. The Ode of Remembrance will be recited and the Last Post will be sounded by bugler Captain Cameron Horsburgh, of the Mount Gambier Salvation Army. The honoured guests will include members of the family of local soldier Private John Rogers who died of wounds in Vietnam in 1968. They will present the John Rogers Memorial Medal to the best afield in the A Grade football match. As is the custom on Anzac Day, sports are not played before noon. This has led to a rescheduling of matches in the various grades of football and netball. Junior colts footballers will start their match at midday followed by the B Grade at 1.15 pm and the A Grade at 3.05pm. 24 - The South Eastern Times, Tuesday, April 21, 2015 The Mini Colts will play during the half-time break of A Grade and the Senior Colts have their match under lights at the completion of A Grade. The starting times for netball are 12.15pm (Junior 1 and Junior 2), 1.30pm (Under13 and Under 15) 3pm (Under 17 and B Reserve), 4.30pm (B Grade and A Reserve) and 6pm (A Grade under lights). The Kongorong Oval is lit by lights of a high standard as they were formerly used at Glenelg Oval. The special Anzac Day program at Kongorong has the blessing of Mid South East clubs and administrators. Kongorong Sportsmens Club president Mr Dwayne Bell said the Anzac game is a very special day to the local community. “We will have full catering facilities for the day along with teas following the completion of football,” Mr Bell said. “We hope to see many supporters come out and enjoy the Anzac Day clash”. Meanwhile, the three other Mid SE matches in round 3 will continue as originally scheduled on Sunday April 26. It is the rostered turn of Glencoe to host the Anzac Medal match. They will be awarded to the top footballer and top netballer when the Murphies host the Port MacDonnell Demons. The medals will continue to honour the memory and war ser- West is a genuine force vice of two deceased local World War II veterans: Herb Ashby OAM DCM (football) and Sister Mary Catherine Mules (netball). The players adjudged by an independent selection panel as those who best exemplify the Anzac spirit of skill, courage, self sacrifice, teamwork and fair play will be awarded with the medals by representatives of the Millicent RSL. Since the successful 2010 pilot program of awarding an Anzac Medal in selected football and netball games across the state, the SA Community Football Board, Netball SA, Veterans SA and the State RSL decided to expand this concept to include all 30 SA Leagues. www.thesoutheasterntimes.com.au PAGE 22